The characters discover a secluded grove inhabited by dryads who offer a simple trade: bring them items from their past in exchange for a rare magical ring. An easy trade at first glance, but some of the items they find are tied to darker memories best left forgotten. It’s time to make a deal with the Bargaining Dryads!
Backstory and Lore
Long ago, an orphanage was built upon a sacred, fey-touched grove devoted to Quovella, Goddess of Protection and Sanctuary. For decades, children came and went under the care of the matron, Zaya, a devoted servant of Quovella. One day, Zaya wandered beyond the grove and never returned. In her place, a green hag arrived, disguised as the matron.
At that time, five children remained in the orphanage. The hag tormented them, feeding on their fear while the grove slowly began to wither. The grove rose to protect them. Its magic bound each child to a tree in a nearby clearing, preserving their lives but transforming them into dryads. Enraged, the hag set fire to the grove in an attempt to destroy the magic, but the forest resisted, turning the flames back upon her. The fire spread and trapped her within the orphanage, where it burned to the ground with her inside. Her charred remains still lie within the ruins.
At the center of the grove floats a rare, magical ring, the Ring of the Dryad. It once belonged to Zaya and was taken by the hag after her disappearance. After the hag’s death, the grove claimed the ring and placed it under the protection of the dryads. Only the five dryads can release the ring, perhaps they can be bargained with in return for something they value from their previous life?
Bargaining Dryads Puzzle – Details
Puzzle Author: Wally DM
Difficulty: Average
Puzzle Type: Investigation / Lateral Thinking / Lock & Key
Recommended Locations: Dungeon, Forest, Park, City
Published Dates: 2026 (Wally DM Patreon – Written), 2026 (Wally DM YouTube – Video)
📚 Published 2026: Wally DM Patreon
